Dear Elder Smith,
You are hereby called to serve as a missionary of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. You are assigned to labor in the Washington Kennewick Mission. It is anticipated that you will serve for a period of 24 months.
You should report to the Mexico Missionary Training Center on Wednesday, January 29, 2014. You will prepare to preach the gospel in the Spanish language.

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Reach Out With Love

August 10, 2015

Family and Friends,

To start the week off, we were extremely busy planning training's and traveling around the mission. After all the training's were done, we made our way back to Yakima just in time to start preparing for this month's MLC (Mission Leadership Council). After several late nights and much scrambling to help put together this meeting, we were grateful to have an MLC which was directed by the spirit in all aspects. At every MLC, we have the sacred opportunity to help set the baptismal goal as a council for the current and upcoming month. As we all pondered together, we discussed together for about 45 mins in regards to the goal for August. After much prayer, we came to the conclusion that if we press forward with faith and act in all diligence, each companionship in the mission can be blessed with one baptism. Therefore, we set the goal as 57 baptisms. Words can't explain the incredible power of the spirit to direct and guide our conversation at MLC this month. We asked ourselves, how are we going accomplish this goal and how can we all be committed? We came to the conclusion that through dedication and prayers of faith, we can do all things. We agreed that at 7amevery morning, we as the Washington Yakima Missionaries will kneel in prayer to call down the powers of heaven to bless each and every person by name who currently has a baptismal date. We are incredibly excited.

When Friday night came, we were committed to inviting everyone to baptism for the month of August, but we hadn't had a single second in our area. Let's pray, we decided. The next morning, we received a text from some other missionaries close by that said they had someone for us to teach. We met with the gentleman the following day and taught The Plan of Salvation. Come to find out, Ray has a desire to be baptized this month and knows the Book of Mormon is the word of God. His exact words were, "So my friend is also Mormon and lives in Oregon, what time is my baptism on August 29th? I'm just really excited and want him to come." My jaw dropped and my eyes opened wide due to an added measure of excitement. That was miracle number one. The second miracle is that we had the privilege to meet a girl named Anna. Anna has met with missionaries in the past and has a sudden urge to be baptized. She's been listening to Thomas S. Monson, knows Joseph Smith was a Prophet etc. She now has a baptismal date for September 12th. We can't take any credit for the miracles which our Heavenly Father has blessed us with this past week. Our prayers were answered. I love this gospel and I love my mission.

Washington Yakima Mission

Favorite Scripture: Ether 12:4 Wherefore, whoso believeth in God might with surety hope for a better world, yea, even a place at the right hand of God, which hope cometh of faith, maketh an anchor to the souls of men, which would make them sure and steadfast, always bounding in good works, being led to glorify God.

My Family

*My Sister*

My lovely Sister, Tara Faye Smith. She is currently attending Brigham Young University Hawaii and recently got engaged. Words cannot describe how much I love her and how grateful I am to have had her by my side for the past 19 years.

*My Mom*

My mom has served as an inspiration and role-model to our entire family. She's my best friend and someone I can continuously count on in a time of need. I just love my momma.

*My Dad*

My Dad and I have always had a strong relationship. He has persistently encouraged myself to become a worthy Priesthood holder and has taught me to value life. I love my Dad and would be lost without him.

Called to Serve

Words cannot describe how grateful I am to serve the Lord and build the Kingdom of God. Thank you to my family, friends, and the Lord for inspiring me to become a full-time missionary.

Feasting Upon the Words of Christ

2 Nephi 32:3

Angels speak by the power of the Holy Ghost; wherefore, they speak the words of Christ. Wherefore, I said unto you, feast upon the words of Christ; for behold, the words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do.